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Fresh Graduate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Monstera Talent

Graduate Sales Trainee

Chicago, IL · On-site

$700 - $800/wk

Graduate Sales Trainee Not sure what "sales" actually looks like day-to-day? Let's show you. This ... We hire graduates because you bring something most sales teams are missing: fresh thinking. You've ...

Jack Flash Stores

Kitchen Team Member

Farmersville, IL · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

If you enjoy preparing fresh food, working with a team, and staying busy throughout your shift ... Graduate or equivalentARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?We understand your time is valuable and that ...

Somavida Pain Relief Center

Desiring to see your clients graduate to pain-free living? Do you want to? * Receive direct hands ... Keep your skills fresh - at Somavida we provide continual learning opportunities in and outside of ...

Jack Flash Stores

Kitchen Team Member

Farmersville, IL · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

If you enjoy preparing fresh food, working with a team, and staying busy throughout your shift ... High School Graduate or equivalent ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? We understand your time is ...

Jack Flash

Kitchen Team Member

Farmersville, IL

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

If you enjoy preparing fresh food, working with a team, and staying busy throughout your shift ... High School Graduate or equivalent ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? We understand your time is ...

Morton's The Steakhouse

Sous Chef

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine selection. If you're a passionate leader who ... Graduate of an accredited culinary program is a plus EOE Pay Range USD $65,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 ...

Morton's The Steakhouse

Sous Chef

Schaumburg, IL

$65K - $70K/yr

... steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine selection. If you're a passionate leader who ... Graduate of an accredited culinary program is a plus EOE Pay Range USD $65,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 ...

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All JobsFresh Graduate JobsFresh Graduate Jobs in Illinois

Fresh Graduate information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$18

$32

How much do fresh graduate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for fresh graduate in Illinois is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fresh graduate?

Fresh graduates are individuals who have recently completed their degree or diploma from a university, college, or other educational institution. They typically have little to no professional work experience in their chosen field. Fresh graduates are often seeking their first full-time job and are looking to apply the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies to the workforce. Employers may offer entry-level positions, internships, or trainee programs specifically for fresh graduates to help them transition into their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fresh graduate?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate, you need a relevant academic degree, foundational knowledge in your field, and a willingness to learn. Familiarity with productivity software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and in some industries, basic knowledge of tools like Excel, Python, or project management platforms is often expected. Strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out among peers. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to contribute effectively, learn quickly, and succeed in entry-level roles while building your professional reputation.

What types of training and mentorship can fresh graduates expect when starting their first professional role?

Fresh graduates often benefit from structured onboarding programs, which may include job-specific training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities to shadow team members. Many organizations assign a mentor or 'buddy' to help new hires acclimate to the company culture and navigate their responsibilities. This support helps fresh graduates build confidence, develop essential workplace skills, and establish a network within the organization, laying a strong foundation for future growth.

What is the difference between Fresh Graduate vs Intern?

AspectFresh GraduateIntern
CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's degree; no work experience requiredUsually students or recent graduates; may have limited coursework or training
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, full-time position with responsibilitiesTemporary, part-time or project-based; learning-focused
Employer UsageHired as a permanent employee after onboardingProvides training and experience; often a stepping stone to full employment

In summary, a Fresh Graduate is typically hired as a full-time employee with responsibilities, while an Intern is usually a temporary position aimed at gaining experience. Both roles are entry-level, but the Fresh Graduate role often leads to permanent employment.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Fresh Graduate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Fresh Graduate job openings:

Fresh Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,412 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Python Engineer | Chicago/NYC- Global Quant Firm

Oxford Knight

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Salary: up to 200k + bonus
Summary
Leading HFT fund looking for a self-driven engineer skilled in Python. You will join a growing quant trading team to build and improve the platforms that underpin the trading team.
Developers here are highly valued and well-rewarded for hard work, attracting some of the brightest minds from across the trading, tech, academic and start-up industries. Collaborating extensively with researchers and technologists on your team, you can expect exposure to a wide range of exciting and challenging projects. These will include creating new research infrastructure and improving scalability of core production systems that power the group.
Unique in their field, this global firm combines the lively, positive spirit of a start-up with the stability of a longer-established player. The successful Python Engineer will be passionate about development, and able to solve difficult technical problems in a fast-paced and energetic environment.
Requirements
  • Minimum 5+ years' professional Python experience on large distributed systems
  • Solid experience working on a Linux platform
  • Intellectual curiosity, comfortable taking ownership of projects
  • Minimum bachelor's Computer Science/Engineering degree
  • Proven success working with large datasets

NB: Please don't apply if you're a fresh graduate.
Benefits
  • Competitive base salary & bonus
  • Enormous opportunity to grow, learn and have an impact
  • Contributions are rewarded; career progression supported
  • Free breakfast, lunch and dinner

Whilst we carefully review all applications, to all jobs, due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond to those who have not been successful.
Contact
If this sounds like you, or you'd like to know more, please get in touch.
Andy Stirling-Martin
andy@oxfordknight.co.uk
+44 (0)20 3137 9579
linkedin.com/in/andrew-stirling-martin-7664a946

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